Changed by What We See (THE MESSAGE)

 The first thing that strikes me about 2 Corinthians 3 is the confident air 

of freedom in it. Change is possible. We don't have to remain as we are.

But change isn't automatic. And it isn't something inherent in us. It has a cause.

Change is rooted in a relationship with Jesus Christ. In him, God becomes open,

personal, and accessible to us.

The person of Jesus shows us who God is. When we're with Christ,

we're in touch with all who can apprehend God. In that environment, we're 

all changed by what we see, changed into the likeness of Christ.  If we're exposed

to the sun, our skin is changed. But if we are exposed to Christ our lives are changed.

The change is a result of our relationship with him. By opening ourselves to him,

we come under his influence and are changed into his likeness, "our lives gradually

becoming brighter and more beautiful", from one level of maturity to another,

from one stage of development to another.

Eugene H. Peterson


Isaiah 53




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